Breast lift with areola reduction is a popular plastic surgery procedure that helps reshape sagging breasts by lifting them to a higher position on the chest and reducing the size of enlarged areolas. This procedure can help restore a more youthful breast contour and proportion for women unhappy with drooping breasts and stretched areolas after pregnancy, weight loss or ageing.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) official medical journal, discusses the significant changes breasts undergo over a woman’s lifetime due to weight loss, post-breastfeeding, and ageing. The study also mentions the concept of “Deflation syndrome,” which refers to the deflation of breasts due to weight loss and post-breastfeeding, akin to having loose clothes.
Another study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal reported that complication rates for reduction mammaplasty range from 6.5% to 22%, whereas patient satisfaction rates range from 80% to 95%. Reported symptom improvement rates range from 70% to 100%, with a dramatic improvement in psychological well-being.
What is Breast Lift With Areola Reduction?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. It can reposition your nipples and areolas to a more natural, proportional, symmetrical height on the breast.
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Areola reduction, or areolar reduction, reduces the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple to suit your breast size better and enhance the aesthetic.
Combining these two procedures allows the reshaping of the entire breast and nipple-areola complex to lift, firm and resize for a perky, youthful appearance.
What Is The Procedure Of Breast Lift With Areola Reduction
Breast lift with areola reduction reshapes sagging breasts and reduces the size of enlarged areolas in one surgery. The procedure involves 5 key steps:
- Incisions are made – Based on the technique, incisions are made around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and possibly horizontally along the crease.
- Excess skin is removed – Sagging, loose skin is cut out, enabling the remaining tissue to be lifted.
- Breast tissue lifted & reshaped – Internal sutures lift the breast tissue into a more youthful, rounded contour.
- Areolas reduced – Excess pigmented skin around the nipples is trimmed to resize enlarged areolas.
- Incisions closed – The skin is pulled taut, and incisions are closed with sutures which support the newly lifted breast shape.
The goal is to elevate the breasts, reduce areola size, and improve symmetry for a perky, proportional shape. Recovery takes about 2 weeks before regular activity can be resumed.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Lift With Areola Reduction?
You may be an ideal candidate for a breast lift with areola reduction if you have the following:
- Sagging breasts with flattening and loss of volume
- Stretched areolas that are too large for your breast size
- Nipples that fall below the breastfold when unsupported
- Breasts that are flat or elongated
- Nipples and areolas pointing downward
- Loss of skin elasticity due to ageing, pregnancy, weight changes or gravity
If your areolas have become disproportionately big based on the size of your breasts, areola reduction can restore balance and proportion. Combining this with mastopexy allows the reshaping of the entire breast and nipple area to your desired shape and lift.
Good Candidates Include Women Who:
- Are in good physical and mental health
- Do not smoke or avoid smoking before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations for surgery results
- Are bothered by the appearance of their drooping breasts
Breast Lift With Areola Reduction Benefits
Some benefits of combining breast lift and areola reduction include:
Restores Breast Shape and Volume
Removing excess, sagging tissue can re-contour your breasts for a perky, rounded shape that appears complete and elevated.
Resizes Areolas
Enlarged areolas are reduced in diameter to suit smaller, lifted breasts.
Repositions Nipples Higher
Repositioning nipples and areolas to a more forward-facing, youthful position on the breast adds better proportion.
Enhances Breast Symmetry
Adjusting and reshaping breast tissue results in more symmetrical breasts with better aesthetic balance.
Boosts Self-Confidence
Renewed perkiness, lift, and proportion can make you feel more confident in tops, swimsuits and intimate apparel.
How is Breast Lift With Areola Reduction Performed?
Breast lift with areola reduction is an outpatient procedure performed under general anaesthesia or IV sedation with local anaesthesia. The surgery takes about two to three hours, depending on the technique used and the amount of tissue removed.
There are a few surgical techniques your plastic surgeon may use to perform your breast lift and areola reduction:
- Crescent lift – A crescent-shaped tissue portion is removed above and below the areola.
- Lollipop lift – An anchor-shaped incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.
- Doughnut lift – A circular incision is made around the areola to reduce size.
- Benelli lift – Perimeter incision around the areola connects with a vertical incision down the breast.
The technique will depend on the degree of correction needed, the quality of your skin, the size of areola reduction desired and the surgeon’s recommendation for achieving optimal results.
After excess skin is removed and underlying tissue lifted, the remaining skin is tightened, and the areola is reduced. The nipple is then repositioned higher with sutures closing the incisions and supporting the newly contoured breast shape.
What is Recovery Like After Surgery?
Recovery from breast lift with areola reduction surgery is crucial for allowing your body the time and care needed to heal correctly to get the best results from your procedure.
Here is a table detailing what to expect during recovery after breast lift with areola reduction surgery:
| Phase | Timeline | What to Expect | Tips for Comfort |
| Initial Recovery | First 48 hours | Pain swelling around breasts and areolas | Take prescribed pain medication, apply ice packs |
| Acute Recovery | First 2 weeks | Bruising, moderate discomfort, tightness, trouble raising arms overhead | Wear a compression bra 24/7, sleep propped on pillows |
| Early Healing | 2 weeks to 2 months | Numbness, tingling, itchiness, hypersensitivity around nipples and areolas | Massage scars with ointment; don’t wear an underwire bra |
| Later Healing | 2 to 6 months | Continued improvement in swelling, shape, and scars | Begin scar treatment, slowly ease into exercise |
| Final Outcome | 6 to 12 months | After settling into the final contour and position, residual swelling has gone. | Can resume all regular activities, including more intense exercise |
The first couple of months focus on allowing incisions to close, diminishing swelling and supporting new breast shape. By 6 months, most improvement is seen with final results at the 1-year mark as breasts settle into their lifted position.
Breast Lift With Areola Reduction Cost
The cost of a breast lift with areola reduction can range anywhere from AED 25,000 to AED 45,000 depending on several factors like:
| Cost Factor | Price Range |
| Surgeon’s fee | AED 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Anesthesia fee | AED 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Operating room & facility fees | AED 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Prescription medications | AED 500 – 1,500 |
| Post-surgery garments | AED 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Total Cost Range | AED 25,000 – 45,000 |
Additional costs may include:
- Pre-testing (blood tests, imaging, etc.)
- Post-surgery appointments
- Compression garments
- Scar treatment products
Cost can vary depending on:
- Extent of correction needed
- Geographic location
- Individual surgeon
Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans to help budget for this procedure over time. Combining the breast lift with an areola reduction at the same time can provide some cost-efficiency as well.
Finding the Right Surgeon for Breast Lift With Areola Reduction
When choosing a qualified plastic surgeon for your breast lift with areola reduction, consider these tips:
- Look at before and after photos to assess their aesthetic skills and preferred techniques
- Verify board certification in plastic surgery
- Read through online reviews from past patients
- Schedule an in-person consultation to discuss your goals
An experienced, reputable surgeon will manage your expectations, explain the limitations, risks, and costs, and guide you through options to help achieve your desired outcome.
Conclusion
Combining breast lift and areola reduction techniques helps reshape and resize sagging breasts and enlarged areolas for a perky, youthful, and proportional aesthetic. If your breasts have lost volume or your nipples have fallen to an uneven, low position, this procedure can firm, lift and enhance your contours for restored self-confidence. Work with an experienced plastic surgeon to determine the best surgical approach to achieve your cosmetic goals.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Tarek Bayazid, One of Dubai’s Top Plastic Surgeons, to Learn More About Your Options for Breast Lift With Areola Reduction.
FAQs About Breast Lift With Areola Reduction
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about breast lift with areola reduction:
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